Switzerland adamant on neutral status, refuses to supply weapons to Ukraine

Countries from the European Union will not receive Swiss weapons or ammunition if they are intended for Ukraine. In doing so, Switzerland maintains its neutrality enshrined in the Constitution. Tensions are rising between the countries, because the neutral position endangers European security.

Germany has just delivered its tanks to Ukraine, but is doing so without ammunition from Switzerland. Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands also received a “no” from Switzerland when they wanted to forward weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. Tensions between the countries are running high, because Ukraine urgently needs European weapons.

Why “no”? Switzerland tightened a law just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that states that Swiss weapons and ammunition may not be supplied to countries at war. Due to the country’s neutrality, both direct and indirect exports to countries in conflict are prohibited.

Switzerland has maintained its neutrality for 200 years. In 1815, this was laid down in the Treaty of Paris, an agreement signed by the European powers after Napoleon Bonaparte’s defeat at Waterloo. Since then, Switzerland has had the status of a neutral country. Thus, the Swiss want to remain independent in international conflicts, and prevent their territory from being affected. Specifically, therefore, the country will not participate in wars in any way.

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